Youth catches up to Northside Christian

The Falcons' Trevor Gagne consistently worked out of trouble all day, and the hosts jumped to an early 3-0 lead on their way to a 5-3 finals victory.

By Scott Roscovius, Times correspondent
Published April 27, 2007

BRADENTON - Eight freshmen. Three sophomores. One junior. Just four seniors.

One big lesson learned.

Northside Christian coach Adam Moravick knew his young Mustangs would have their hands full with powerhouse Bradenton St. Stephen's Thursday afternoon. He was right.

The Falcons' Trevor Gagne consistently worked out of trouble all day, and the hosts jumped to an early 3-0 lead on their way to a 5-3 finals victory.

Moravick's only consolation was knowing the Mustangs (17-10) still have a postseason life, advancing to next week's region quarterfinals.

"We got behind early, and we got some unlucky bounces," Moravick said. "We've been hitting the ball well, just not (Thursday). We hit it right at people."

Indeed the Mustangs, who scored 24 runs in tournament play heading into Thursday's game, had trouble mounting a threat against the Falcons (19-6), winners of 15 of their past 16 games. St. Stephen's put three runs on the board in the first as six of their first seven batters reached base. Back-to-back doubles by Garret Gregory and Johnny Lingo drove in runs, and Dalton Cross scored from third on a fielder's choice.

From there it was catchup, and the Mustangs couldn't.

Nick Corbissero (2-4) took the loss despite going all six innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits, walking three and striking out three. Ryan McDonald was 2-for-3 with a double for the Mustangs.